The 69-year-old man stunningly surrendered yesterday for his part in a Manhattan bank heist – pulled off 35 years ago – so the government would fix his ailing ticker.

But Geller’s decision to turn himself in to federal marshals may have been in vain.

Law-enforcement sources say the case is so old there may not be any witnesses or evidence left to bring him to trial, meaning it could be dropped – which would leave Geller responsible for his own medical care.

Despite his surrender, Geller pleaded not guilty at his arraignment downtown yesterday. He was first indicted on the armed bank-robbery charges in 1972.

He told The Post after his arraignment yesterday that his failing heart played “a tremendous part” in his surrender.

“I should not be telling you, it makes it sound as if what I am doing is self-serving,” he added.

Geller has been on the lam since he and two accomplices allegedly robbed the Atlantic Bank of New York’s Herald Square branch of $63,500 on Sept. 3, 1971. He was indicted in 1972 and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Representatives from Atlantic Bank declined comment yesterday.

Geller, who suffered a heart attack eight months ago, has been holed up at a Bowery flop house. Authorities believe he spent most of his time on the lam in the tri-state area.